Successful self-image key to life ‘on a roll’

You’ve heard the phrase, “I’m on a roll!”

Many individuals feel this way when many positive things are happening in their lives, when they are accomplishing the things they set out to do.

I wonder if the phrase originated with gamblers who consistently came up with seven or 11 on a roll of dice?

What makes a roller? Often people who see themselves as successful, happy and drawn to good fortune feel they are on a roll. Their attitude and behavior frequently reflect an optimistic, positive attitude, and they perceive less-than-positive outcomes as challenges to overcome rather than as reasons to fail.

Their cognitive style and mindset characterize and separate them from those who view life as full of pot holes, as a half empty glass, a cherry pit. Instead, rollers think optimistically and enthusiastically. They see themselves as able to influence the outcome of things in a positive way. They live such statements as, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can change the set of my sail.”

Several years ago I spent an evening with a group I call rollers. Most of them were in their 70s and 80s, they exuded a sense of optimism, positive thinking and happiness. As I realized that I sat in the midst of movers and shakers, I began to listen closely to their communication patterns. I wanted to find the elements that made them delightful mentors.

One characteristic I observed was they all seemed to have a notable sense of humor. They kidded themselves and each other, joking at times about health, economic conditions and a view of the world around them – all in ways that emphasized their blessings rather than their hardships.

I also observed their creativity, their willingness to be risk-takers. One man talked about financial setbacks that he had experienced, describing them as bumps in the road rather than as barriers that stopped him. He used an unusual expression to describe the end of a period of financial hardship: “In the kingdom of blind men, coming out with one eye wasn’t so bad.”

The depth and focus of their conversation often contained references to friends, many of whom were deceased. They spoke of their families and their reliance on spiritual factors as support during their lives.

Grumbling, complaining and excuse-making were mostly absent during the several hours I spent with them. The patriarch of this group, Watt Matthews, currently in his 90s, is active in the operation of a large West Texas ranch. He has appeared often during the last few years in popular periodicals, and several books have been written about him. His enthusiasm and zest of life are infections: Those around him seem to adopt his philosophy of life.

If this group had a consensus to offer, it was this: You can do anything you want to do – as long as you don’t try to do it all at once.

Take things a step at a time, they say, but don’t dwell on past experiences. Instead, focus on what can be done in the present. Look to the future. Perceive obstacles as challenges rather than threats – as opportunities rather than difficulties.

Keep your life on a roll.

Copyright c 1991 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.